Start-Up Company Comes Up With Fish Alternative

Ocean fish population is continuously dwindling no thanks to over-fishing and pollution, threatening worldwide famine. Thankfully Impossible Foods, the same company that came out with a vegetarian burger that “bleeds” came up with a fish alternative.

Studies show that one billion of the world population rely on fish as a main source of protein. Impossible Food's newest invention may just be the healthiest, most sustainable alternative to fish. The company's products were so promising even Bill Gates and Khosla Ventures donated millions to the start-up.

One of the biggest challenges when eating a plant-based diet (a diet predominantly comprised of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts/seeds, grains, and legumes) is finding optimal sources of protein. Seafood is notorious for being a health-promoting food, as it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids (building blocks of protein). However, overfishing and high levels of mercury are just two factors that have resulted in some health experts warning against its consumption. Fortunately for us all, Impossible Foods — the same company that developed the plant-based burger that “bleeds” — is developing a fish alternative.

During a recent press briefing, company founder and CEO Pat Brown announced that Impossible Foods is working on removing all animals from production methods by 2035. Brown, who is also a biochemist, previously patented the technology to extract heme — an iron-containing molecule from soybeans. This technology is what produced the highly sought-after “Impossible Burger” that bleeds.

Because heme is also found in bluefin tuna, the company has a goal to create a plant-based “fish” alternative that doesn’t adversely affect the oceans or people’s health. Spokeswoman Jessica Appelgren told Undercurrent News, “We are looking at replacing all products derived from animals and fish is on the list, although somewhat far out.